Sports are the top priority for district

I received an excellent education at Chippewa Consolidated School in the 1950s.

We studied 11 different subjects through sixth grade; in seventh and eighth grade, physical education, home economics and shop class were added.

We were required to write book reports and memorize poetry. Grading was by strict percentage. The emphasis was on academics.

That is apparently not the case today. One recent article in The Times dealt with statewide testing as a proposed requirement for high school graduation because many graduates cannot read or write when they enter college.

Another article concerned a remedial summer program for Blackhawk students K-2 who cannot read or write.

So, what exactly are children learning in school?

Blackhawk High School recently received an earmark of $143,000 for physical education. The school currently has a dance room, gymnasium, swimming pool, football stadium, baseball and soccer fields and tennis courts.

The proposed addition would add a second gymnasium to the same building.

Then, the school board wants to improve the baseball fields, light the soccer field and build more tennis courts and a new football stadium.

At the Feb. 19 meeting, one board member said the proposed addition is “all about excellence in education.” I find that statement very difficult to believe.

Mary Louise Chulak

Chippewa Township

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